Hargaysa, 11, November, 2018. Following decades of conflict, Somali communities are still facing threats from landmines, improvised explosive devices(IED) and unexploded ordnance across the country. The mines have made it difficult for local communities to engage in productive activities, as they cannot farm on the lands, construct roads or even graze their animals. Civilians displaced by fighting are also unable to return home. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) who want to help communities in these areas are also finding it dangerous.
It is for this reason that Gemma Walsh, a South African decided to aid Somaliland and Somali communities restore their hope, through her work with the Halo trust.
The Halo trust is a non-technical survey operations trust that has operated in Somaliland since 1999, by conducting manual and mechanical mine clearance, battle area clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, physical security, stockpile management and mine risk education. The Halo trust begun along the Somali-Ethiopian boarder in 2015, and fully cleared the area in 2016 June.
Following a military coup in 1969, Somalia was ruled by Mohamed Siad Barre who led his country into a war with Ethiopia, over the control of the Somali Ogaden region in 1977, in which Somali forces were defeated and landmines laid along the length of the border. To date, Halo’s combined teams have cleared 282,892 square metres of hazardous grounds.
However, surveys continue to find more contamination.
“I wanted to change my career and incorporate the passion I have for helping others. Therefore, when I found an article on the Halo foundation while scrolling through social media, I took great interest in the work they were doing for local communities and I knew I wanted to be part of it and applied for a vacancy advertised,” said Ms. Welsh. She says she feels extremely proud and honoured to be part of the organisation. “I have complete admiration and respect for my team here in Somaliland, because of the selfless decisions they continue to make every day,” she adds.
The qualified accountant who has worked in the United Kingdom (UK) manages the finances for Halo programs in Somaliland and Somalia. She also provides leadership and management of the finance team across both programs, including training and capacity development of the national staff and expatriates.
Halo’s initiative has directly secured over 51,00 people who use the cleared roads and land, and a further 60,000 who use them infrequently.
Source: Southcoastsun.co.za
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